Jeffrey L. Kriha
August 27, 1959 – October 3, 2021
Preceded in death by father, Jerry Kriha; father-in-law, Ernie Archer. Survived by wife of 39 years, Peg Kriha; children, Justin (Mary) and Meganne; 3 grandchildren: Jude, Vivianne, Colette; mother, Janice Kriha.
Family will receive friends on Friday, October 8th from 5pm to 7 pm at West Center Chapel with VIGIL SERVICE at 7:00 pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, October 9th at 10:30 am at St Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 15353 Pacific Street. Entombment: Resurrection Mausoleum. Memorials are suggested to Creighton University, Athletics Department or Boys Town.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
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Jeff Kriha was born in Kearney, Nebraska on August 27, 1959, to Jerry and Janice Kriha. He grew up in Holdrege, Nebraska, graduating from Holdrege High School in 1977 where he was a multi-sport athlete and met many lifelong friends. Jeff attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
He married Peg Archer on May 15, 1982, at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska, together they had two children: Justin and Meganne. He loved participating in their activities and coaching Justin’s sports teams. While not his strong suite, Jeff was even a pretty decent dance dad.
Jeff was a loving father and grandfather. He couldn’t wait to be called “Papa” and loved every minute spent with Jude, Vivianne and Colette. Jude and he had their project days where he was able to spend one-on-one time with him, along with trips to the park and getting ice cream. There were just so many excuses created to see those beautiful babies.
Jeff was everyone’s best friend and was happiest at home with his family. While he was a person who never asked for help, he was always the first person to offer assistance and with a quick You Tube search was able to learn how to make any repair. Jeff firmly believed in having the right tool for the job, so much so that he earned the reputation as the “gadget man”. If there was a new tool or tech item on the market, he was first in line to place his order and couldn’t wait to show off his new toy.
Europa Eyewear was his employer for over 26 years where he traveled the states of Iowa and Nebraska selling frames. Jeff always said he wasn’t really working, but that he drove around the state talking to his friends. The company was a second family to him; he had a special relationship with so many of those who built the company – too many to list! We were fortunate that Jeff was able to earn many rewards trips and we were able to travel to Scottsdale, Arizona, Mexico and Costa Rica with friends from all over the United States. He was the life of the party and we have the pictures to prove it.
Attending Creighton Basketball and Baseball games were favorite activities, even with restricted attendance due to the pandemic he was able to attend all but one home game this past year. Traveling with the team to various Missouri Valley and Big East games were a highlight and afforded him the opportunity of shoot hoops in Assembly Hall at Indiana University, a real bucket list adventure. In the last few years, he traveled to “Blue” York City for the Big East Championship where many family memories were made.
Jeff is survived by his spouse Peg; children, Justin (Mary) and Meganne; three amazing grandkids: Jude, Vivianne, Colette; mother, Janice; mother-in-law, Eleanor Archer; many brothers and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.
24 Comments
I am so shocked to hear of Jeff’s passing. I have worked in the optical business for almost 32 years and I have know him since the beginning. He was a wonderful man and the best sales rep that I have ever known.. He will be sorely missed by all of us in the optical circle. His smile and gentle ways will be a memory that I will cherish. God Bless the family and my He give you peace.
Jeff was our Europa Sales Rep forever, when Corporate called and told us the news we couldn’t believe it. We just saw him last week and already miss him and his smile and joking manner. You are in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed
Our office was sadden to hear of Jeff’s passing, He has called on our office for as long as we can remember, We have grown old together! Over the years we have shared memories of Children growing up, building a new home, enjoying grandchildren, attending sporting activities, as well as him taste testing cookies, bake goodies and canned items! As well as visiting his booth at convention over the years! He truly has touched us all, and will be missed. Keeping you family in our thoughts and prayers!
Jeff will be deeply missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
So sorry to hear of my friend Jeff passing. We will miss him so much. I will never forget his laugh & smile. Many times the life of the party.. He loved to work with people and had a soft heart for others. He had a lot of great friends that are mourning his loss
Peggy & Family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy at the passing of Jeff. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Evie
Sadness hangs heavy on Lamp Street. God Bless Jeff Kriha.
Peggy and Family
I am so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. May you all find comfort in the memories you have of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May he Rest In Peace.
Peggy, so very sorry for your loss of Jeff. My heart breaks for you and your family. Please know that I am thinking of you and lifting you and your family up in prayer. My sincere condolences to each of you.
We were heartbroken to hear of Jeff’s passing. Jeff was one of the first frame reps I met when preparing to open my office. He was kind enough to come to our grand opening and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with him since. He will be missed by so many optometry offices. He was one of the best and so easy to work with. I always looked forward to his visits. He spoke so highly of his family and I enjoyed hearing about his adventures with his kids and grandkids. Our office will forever have a small hole missing in his absence. We will be praying for all those who loved him.
Our deepest sympathies to the Family and Europa Coworkers. We enjoyed working with Jeff over the years and will miss his visits. Our condolences, Dr. Amanda Winterboer and Staff
My deepest condolences. I am heart broken to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was the best frame rep and a true friend to anyone that got the pleasure of meeting him.
Peggy and Family – Sending heartfelt condolences for your loss of Jeff. What a gift he was! So many of us have lifelong memories of his smiles and laughter – memories that instantly bring a warm lift to our spirits. Jeff was a true joy. Praying your memories bring you solace, warmth and smiles in the days ahead.
Like all that knew Jeff, we all feel the same way! Kind and gentle and dearly loved his family! He will truly be missed by all! Hugs and prayers to the family! Love you all!
Peggy and family, deepest sympathy for the loss of Jeff. I am praying for your family during this difficult time. Cherish your memories.
Jeff was the BEST! He did his job so well and went the extra mile for us literally. One Saturday a couple yours ago, I needed a frame for a patient. He was going to a Creighton ball game so he dropped by the store and hand delivered it. He will be sorely missed! All of us here at Pearle are praying for peace in your time of grieving.
so sorry Peg. My sympathy to you and your family
Jeff was one of the nicest, funniest, sincere people I have had the pleasure knowing throughout our school years as well in the optical businesses I have worked. He was always so happy and fun to talked to…I’ll never forget how happy he was when he told me he was going to be a grandpa for the first time! His smile couldn’t have been larger…. Jeff you will be missed by many… Keeping your family in prayers. Sorry I am unable to attend the funeral but I will be watching online….RIP Jeff….
To Jeff Kriha’s family please know that Jeff was a wonderful person and his smile was contagious. He had that gift to connect with people and the impact he left with so many. . He will never be forgotten and his memory will on . Sending thoughts and prayers . RIP Jeff with Jesus.
We were saddened to learn of Jeff’s passing. He was a favorite rep of ours. Always smiling and willing to help with some of our difficult patients when they just couldn’t find a frame. He will be greatly missed. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Dr. Paul Schroeder, Dr. Scott Ihrke, Angie, Judy, Kellie, and Loni
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jeff. I just wanted to say that I am another who will miss Jeff visiting our office in Southwest Iowa. Truly a great man. God bless him and his family.
Our sympathies go to each one of you. Jeff was so easy to talk to and work with. He helped us open our clinic as well – he always had a welcoming smile and a plan for anything our clinic needed. He will be greatly missed by many.
Peg and kids, so very sorry Jeff left us so early. God has his plan, whatever that may be. Our thoughts and proyers are with you all. The Popp’s
Many thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
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